Alternative energy transportation show to be held today

A motorcycle powered by the sun. A drivable couch. Hybrid vehicles, electric cars, and a car made almost entirely out of recycled parts.

All of these "alternative" vehicles will be on display from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today between Stewart Center and Memorial Mall at the Green Week Alternatively Powered and Fueled Vehicle Show.

Organized by Robin Ridgway, director of sustainability and environmental stewardship, the vehicle show shows the practical -- and fun -- side of sustainability and engineering.

"I'm a car nut, and it's awesome to see how much ingenuity goes into building these vehicles," Ridgway says. "We'll have corporations like Coca-Cola with 'green' delivery trucks alongside our own students who actually made a motorized couch. The vehicle show is a great way to see how creative minds can influence the real world."

Visitors to the vehicle show can vote on their favorite alternatively powered vehicle, and the winner will receive a trophy at the end of the day.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to ride their bikes to campus today. Boiler Green Initiative and Purdue's cycling club will be on hand to provide free bicycle tune-ups. The Purdue Police Department will also have a booth at the vehicle show for bicycle registration.